One project can hide another! More than 10 years have passed since its last big screen adaptation, this monument of French literature will soon return to cinema. Les Misérables will be the subject of not one, but two new adaptations, each with a different bias, proving a strong comeback for mainstream adaptations of the great French novels.
Les Misérables has also recently returned as a musical comedy to the theater at the Chatelet in Paris.
Two projects around Jean Valjean
What are these two ongoing projects? First up is the film announced by StudioCanal earlier in the year: Les Misérables, directed by Fred Cavae. Little information has filtered out, other than the lead role that Vincent Lyndon will play. Many great actors have already played this iconic role in popular culture, such as Lino Ventura or Jean Gabin.
As a guest at France Inter this Monday, November 18, on the show La 20ème Heure d’Eva Bester, Vincent Lindon confirmed that he will soon play the role. Fred Kavae has already toured twice with Vincent Lindon, Mea Culpa (2014) and Pour elle (2008).
Les Misérables will be produced by Eskwad (Richard Grandpierre) and Curiosa (Olivier Delbosc) and will be co-produced and distributed by Studio Canal, which holds all distribution mandates.“, StudioCanal said in a press release earlier this year. Filming is set to begin in early 2025 in the south of France, according to casting notices for extras.
The second upcoming project will be directed by Eric Besnard. His film, titled Jean Valjean, will have the distinction of being an adaptation of the first 100 pages of Les Misérables, which tells the story of “From Shadow to Light by Jean Valjean“.
The role of Jean Valjean is played by Grigor Gadebois, surrounded by Bernard Campan, Isabel Carré and Alexandra Lam. The film is produced by Radar Films (Clément Miserez and Matthieu Warter) and will be distributed by Warner Bros. France, which co-produces the project. Filming should also begin in early 2025.
It should be noted that Eric Besnard has just released his new feature film Louise Violet, starring Alexandra Lam. Eric Besnard has already filmed many times directed by Gregory Gadboy (Délicieux and Les Choses simples).
The return of great literary licenses
The announcement of these two projects is part of a trend to embrace literary heritage by adapting well-known classics for the general public. After the recent successes of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, French cinema continues to popularize stories.
Published in 1862, Les Misérables It has already been adapted for cinema many times. One of the most famous transpositions remains with Jean Gabin in 1958. The most recent dates from 2013 with the adaptation of Tom Hooper’s musical comedy with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. I was impressed by the 2000 TV version starring Gerard Depardieu.
Let us remind you that the story of Les Misérables tells the character of the peasant Jean Valjean, who was sentenced to 5 years of hard labor for stealing bread. He left Toulon prison in 1815 after spending 19 years there, his original sentence extended due to multiple escape attempts.
His fortunes change when the Bishop of Dinis, Monseigneur Miriel, dedicates himself to prevent him from being imprisoned after a burglary at his house. From now on, Jean Valjean will try to do only good around him to the detriment of his own happiness.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
